In chapter two of the book Learning to Think Things Through by Gerald M. Nosich includes many different elements of reasoning that are associated with critical thinking. In order to think critically two standards must be met, one being that the thinking has to be reflective and second reflective thinking must meet high standards. There are numerous concepts for critical thinking, but they are grouped into eight categories. The concepts differ from each other while other may overlap. By implementing the different concepts, it can result in reliable and trustworthy thinking. The eight plus elements that are commonly present when thinking are: Point of View, Purpose, Question at Issue, Assumptions, Implications and Consequences, Information, Concepts, Conclusions/Interpretations, context, and alternatives. Context provides background to reasoning and alternative shows different choices made in reasoning. These elements are usually applied in many situations, but can be used in any order. The element of purpose is associated with reason. Many people have various goals and objectives in which they have a purpose for. It is important to ask what the purpose is and being able to identify it different situations from homework to personal …show more content…
When an individual begins to reason they start with assumptions. Sometimes assumptions are made up front while others are unstated. It is important to be able to identify assumptions that are underlying. If an individual is aware of an assumption then they can evaluate and compare them to others. The element of implications and consequences is a crucial element for what happens after the end. This element allows an individual to know what further beliefs/things must they follow. Identifying implications and consequences are necessary as well as being able to apply them in real situations. It allows an individual to see a situation from a different aspect that they may have
According to Korsgaard, the human mind is “essentially reflective” (92). By this, she means that we are capable of examining and evaluating the various perceptions and desires which make up the content of our mind. This ablility gives rise to a problem she terms the “normative problem,” since we can critically question whether the perceptions and desires we experience are reasons, or whether they dictate how we should act. This is a problem because if the mind continues to reflect and can grasp no reason, “it cannot commit itself or go forward” (93). She also thinks that “because of the reflective character of the mind ... we must act ... under the idea of freedom” (94). Desires and perceptions appear to us, but which of them influences our actions is a matter of which we choose to act on. The notion of “freedom” as well as that of “reasons” are essential for explaining how we make decisions when we reflect on our options for how to act (96). Korsgaard defines a reason as a “reflective success,” or an agent 's affirmation of some
Paul, R. and Elder, L., (2008). The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking-Concepts and Tools, 5th. Ed., Foundation for Critical Thinking Press: Dillon Beach, CA
Paul and Elder’s eight elements of thought directly support the Army officers as they work through the Army Problem Solving Process by expanding their ability to think critically and creatively. The following eight elements enhance a problem’s solvers perspective on what is important; making the best possible decision the same goal as the Army Problem Solving Process. The eight elements of thought are Point of view; Purpose; Question or problem; Information; Inferences and conclusions; Concepts and theories; Assumptions; and Implications/Consequences. Point of view-Drs. Paul and Elder suggested this as a starting point in the Army officers thought process. Drs. Paul and Elder believe that within the Point of View, decision makers should look at their view through the follow-on analysis of frames of reference, Perspectives, and Orientations . While combining the totality of the Point of View, Army leaders look at a problem from a “place which they are viewing the problem.” Furthermore, the Point of View element brings to the Army Problem Solving Process the leader’s ability to “reflect of who the people are inside, what they use to make their assumptions and their decision.” Utilizing the Point of view element assists in the Problem Solving Process by providing leaders with guidance from commanders to the problem solvers to create alternatives to solve a problem. According to US Army ATTP 5-01, 2001, par. 11-25, 2-14, alternatives and possible unpopular ideas or
Critical thinking provides an opportunity to explore the positive and negative sides of an argument for and against an idea, theory or notion. Reasoning and perception is attuned to personal impression and provides outcome to belief and opinion.
In general, as shown by analysis of the literature, there are three stages of critical thinking research. The first stage was within 1970-1982. During this period, researchers paid their attention to the importance of logical thinking, believing that it formed the core of critical thinking (Reichenbach, 2000). E. Glaser developed training program of critical thinking, which addressed
Dr. Gerald M. Nosich, an expert in critical thinking, wrote a book titled, “Learning to Think Things Through,” for his readers to understand and enhance their analytical skills. In the book, Nosich discussed the eight elements of reasoning including two additional elements: Purpose, Question at Issue, Assumptions, Implications and Consequences, Information, Concepts, Conclusions/Interpretation, Point of View, and Alternatives and Context (two additional elements). These elements help sort through our reasoning process so that we can make reasonable decisions. As a kid, I did not fully understand nor used any critical thinking skills, which led me to make some unreasonable mistakes.
What is critical thinking? Encarta Pocket Dictionary defines critical thinking as a type of critical analysis. Encarta Pocket Dictionary defines a decision as firmness in choosing something. The authors of Whatever It Takes suggest that decision-making material and literature tend to emphasize the product of decision-making but does not emphasize the actual process of decision-making. Critical thinking is the mechanical process by which problems are perceived, alternative solutions weighed, and rational decisions are made and decision-making is streams of choices (McCall, Kaplan, xv).
Critical thinking entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities. Critical thinking is also self-guided to thinking allowing to use intellectual tools such as concepts and principles that enables you to analyze, assess and improve thinking skills. Critical thinking is the art of probing and assessing thinking with an opinion to cultivating it. As I observe my critical thinking as of today, I like to take time to analyzing a step by step process to ensure I have thoroughly come to the best conclusion outcome.
There are eight established elements of thought and reasoning point of view, purpose, question at issue, information, Interpretation and inference, concepts, assumptions, implications and consequences. There are times when elements are combined into a new category to make it possible for conclusions to be made. Point of view is paired with assumptions. My reason for pairing point of view with assumptions is due to the fact that our assumptions are our points of view. An example of this would be if we are against smoking in a public places and feel that it is hazardous to your health. Our point of view would be the not smoking in public places and the assumption would be how we feel it is hazardous to our health. The next category is purpose and question of issue if
Critical thinking is the process in which one challenges their emotive, self-centered way of thinking. It causes one to test their own assumptions and question their reasoning. Critical thinking is the process in which one mentally explores deeper than the superficial matters at hand into the deeper layers in order to find out what the real issues are. Successful critical thinking is a process that allows one to creatively problem solve, seek innovative solutions, and essentially "think outside of the box." It also allows one to become more open minded to various situations. Logic and perception both play a role in critical thinking. However, when it comes to weighing their beneficial impact on the critical thinking process, logic and perception are by no means equal. While logic is firmly rooted in reason, perceptions are just as firmly rooted in one's senses, and can easily be corrupted. Therefore, perception is certainly not reality. This is a lesson that I had the opportunity to have reinforced in a recent in-house promotion at work.
Purpose is best expressed in two parts. The first part is fixed. This is the intrinsic nature or core of who we are. It describes the "what" of our purpose and does not change over time or across situations. The second part is variable.
Critical thinking means accurate thinking in the search of appropriate and dependable knowledge about the world. Another way to describe it is sensible, insightful, responsible, and skillful thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do. Critical thinking is not being able to process information well enough to know to stop for red lights or whether you established the right change at the supermarket.
Inductive reasoning can be quickly summarized as a method through which a conclusion is drawn from particular cases; this conclusion may be applied to another specific case or generalized. All of our conclusions about the world around us, which we rely on daily without question, are dependent on this process. The expectation that our house will not cave in, that water will come from the faucet when turned on, that we will wake the next morning, are all propositions extrapolated from inductive arguments.
wants to find and fulfill a purpose in their lives, we all want to know what we are here to
Critical thinking is a process of applying various skills to analyze information. Critical thinking uses rationality to distinguish between emotion and fact. This paper will discuss the definition of critical thinking, and the skills it takes to think critically. It will also provide an example of critical thinking applied to my current working environment. Finally this paper will discuss the importance and benefits of critical thinking in the decision-making processes.